Music

Experiencing altered states at the orchestra

September 20th, 2017

Fall is arriving, and that of course means that the new season of the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra’s “Masterworks” series sponsored by Sanford Health is right around the corner.

In the last couple concert seasons they have performed some truly gala events, with many universally recognized and occasionally bombastic pieces, such as Orff’s “Carmina Burana” or Rossini’s “William Tell Overture,” that were bound to delight both newcomers and regular concertgoers.

This…

Oasis of doom

September 20th, 2017

When you disembark from the plane in Vegas, the first thing you encounter is slot machines.

The airport is a strange combination of a sh*tty casino and an overpriced mall. As you stand and wait for your $13 whopper you begin to notice the stream of outsiders filtering in -- every 15 minutes, a consistent flow of tourists from all around the globe, with dollars in their pockets, looking to make their fortune.

The next thing you notice is the oppressive, crushing weight of the heat. Being…

Feeling the Heat: Lutheran Heat at Sidestreet

September 13th, 2017

Minneapolis-based rock and rollers are turning up the heat, that is to say Lutheran Heat. The band consists of Garth Blomberg on guitar and vocals; Sara Pette, guitar and vocals; Matt Engelstad, bass and vocals; and Justin Nelles on drums. Though hailing from the Twin Cities, Blomberg and Nelles are no strangers to the F-M music scene.

High Plains Reader: Where did the name Lutheran Heat come from? Second--Do you get any heat from the Lutherans on your name?

Matt Engelstad: Dave (Dave…

Genres collide at KRFF benefit

September 6th, 2017

I’m sure you’ve noticed that I write my fair share of articles about the music scene in Fargo-Moorhead. It is my honest opinion that many people don’t realize what an awesome music scene we have in this town. There was a time I didn’t, to be frank.

If there are people as much if not more devoted to promoting the local music scene, they’re certainly the DJs at KRFF. Recently I had the opportunity to interview Martin Beckman, who DJs “Locals on the 8” and “Thursday Night…

New Track City leaves you wanting more and more

September 6th, 2017

On September 9, The Aquarium will erupt with the sounds of New Track City, Federal Way Washington’s very own hip-hop trio that produces their signature sound with a convergence of Jazz, Soul and Alternative. With Bem and Chi.Stone rapping and Dru on the beats, New Track City Brings the heat.

The Washington trio lays everything out on the table, and lets the chips fall where they may. Their all-in mentality produces an original sound that is clearly represented with their two online…

The power of Yes

September 6th, 2017

Geoff Downes on the evolution of Yes

Since its inception in 1968 prog rock pioneers Yes have been breaking boundaries with complex soundscapes and experimental sounds, and their oeuvre has been constantly evolving. High Plains Reader had the opportunity to chat with Geoff Downes vocalist and keyboardist for Yes. Downes joined the band in 1980.

High Plains Reader: Is it true that you broke a Guinness World Record by playing 28 keyboards on stage?

Geoff Downes: I did that once in 1983 at a…

Something to talk about with Bonnie Raitt

August 30th, 2017

Raitt on her blues beginnings and activist roots

Rated one of the top 100 guitarists of all time in 2015 and top 100 singers of all time in 2010 by Rolling Stone and with 45 years in the business, Bonnie Raitt is definitely giving ‘em, something to talk about.

High Plains Reader: You found your musical roots at an early age--can you tell us about that?

Bonnie Raitt: I grew up in a very musical family. My dad was a Broadway leading man and Broadway star. He created the role of Billy…

Bringing the big band sound to Fargo

August 23rd, 2017

The “big band” is truly ubiquitous in the United States. Ever since the jazz-influenced genre of music first appeared and had its peak popularity in the 1930s and 1940s, it has stuck around, even having a resurgence in the 1990s and still being listened to this day.

No matter the musical innovations that come and go, we always seem to to return to the big band. Perhaps it’s because it is such a traditionally and uniquely American musical tradition, perhaps because it calls to mind…

Eddie Spaghetti of The Supersuckers on the state of rock n’ roll

August 9th, 2017

Formed in 1988, The Supersuckers have gained the moniker of being “the greatest rock n’ roll band in the world.” In 2015 lead singer/bassist Eddie Spaghetti was diagnosed with stage 3 oropharynx cancer. Thankfully he conquered it and is currently back in the ol’ rock n’ roll saddle. HPR had the opportunity to speak with the frontman: how did his illness affected his songwriting, Seattle in the 90s, and the current state of rock n’ roll?

High Plains Reader: How did your…

Getting centered in Kidder County

August 9th, 2017

Bill Bender on Center Fest, the geographical shift and Hanson’s Bar

Photo by Sabrina Hornung

The city of Robinson is nestled within the sprawling drift prairie of central North Dakota, with a population of close to 40. Though it’s a hunter’s paradise, the wildlife ascending the town this weekend won’t be their typical deer or waterfowl.

The first annual Center Fest will be taking place in Robinson this weekend. A celebration of North Dakota art, music, and the acquisition of the…